4 Days 3 Nights Tabin Birdwatching

Tabin is a bird-watcher's paradise as the forest of Tabin attracts an amazingly rich diversity of birds, including rare and endemic species, due to the abundance of food plants here. The relatively low canopy with sufficient natural lights makes birding and photography a delightful experience.
 
About 42 indigenous families representing more than 260 species have been recorded at the reserve including all the 8 of Sabah’s Hornbill species; Black Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill and Helmeted Hornbill.  Other sought-after species, such as the Blue-headed Pitta, Black-and-crimson Pitta,  Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, Temminck’s Sunbird, Purple-throated Sunbird, Everett's White-eye, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, and rarely seen species such as Storm’s Stork, Jambu Fruit Dove, Large Green Pigeon, White-fronted Falconet, Great-billed Heron and Giant Pitta have been sighted in Tabin. Also spotted are the Rufous Woodpecker,  Bronzed Drongo, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Speckled Piculet, Chestnut-capped Thrush, Long-tailed Parakeet, Thick Bellied Flower pecker, Long-tailed Parakeet, Orange-backed Woodpecker and the Little Spiderhunters.

Not familiar with any of the bird names or haven't been 'birding' before? Once you spot birds and take notice of them, you will be surprised by how many of them are around you wherever you wander at the reserve!

What do I get to do?

Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in a nature reserve. Stay in the comforts of a timber lodge with modern amenities!

Adventure rating and remarks

3 - break a sweat with some of the treks.

Rates (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)

1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016

Rates do not have additional GST

Accommodations at Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Itinerary

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Day 01 (L,D)
Drive from Lahad Datu town to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on gravel road for about one and a half hour. Check into the lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, nestled within the rainforest. The lodge comes complete with private veranda, air conditioner, ceiling fan and hot water shower in the forest.  Explore the vicinity of the resort and be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of bird life.  The open-sided Sunbird Café & Hunter’s place is surrounded by greenery and flowering plants which attract a number of brightly coloured birds. Be entertained by the melodious calls of birds nearby. A bird hide facing the flowing Lipad River is available.

In the afternoon, depart for birding along the Core Road where you will most likely be able to spot one or more of Borneo’s eight species of hornbill such as the Black, White-crowned, Rhinoceros, Wreathed, Oriental Pied, Bushy Crested, Helmeted and Wrinkled Hornbill either flying in groups across the sky or in pairs perching on bare branches.

After dinner, enjoy a CD/Slide presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellation above you and make a wish or two.

Day 02 (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast, depart for the active Lipad Mud Volcano. The soccer field-sized Lipad Mud Volcano serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife. After trekking through the rainforest for 20 minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds.  Climb the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare mud volcano and its surrounding thick forest, where birds are commonly sighted. A nearby fig-tree is a busy feasting place for hornbills and other birds and primates during the fruiting season. Across from the observation tower, bare branches of towering trees are favourite perching place for Green Imperial Pigeons and Doves. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion.

In the afternoon, try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks.

In the evening, join the dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal bird coming out to look for food during this time of the day.

After dinner, go for a night walk to discover more nocturnal bird species in the nearby trails.

Day 03 (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast, you will depart for birding along the road leading to the Core Area of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The fully regenerated secondary forest with its relatively lower canopy and good natural light provides a delightful birding experience. The incredible rich forests also offer good mammal watching opportunities.
In the evening, take a drive to bird along the Tomanggong Road and expect to see more species of birds.  

Day 04 (B, L)
After breakfast, another trip back to Tomanggong to spot more Borneo birds in the areas.
Lunch and then depart from Tabin Wildlife Resort. 
 
Note: Activities are subject to weather condition, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situation.

What to wear/bring?

Binoculars, spottingscope (if available), insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes (good for mud terrain), torch light, water bottle  & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.

What does it include?

Scheduled return transfer Lahad Datu/Tabin/Lahad Datu, meals as stated, guided tours and activities, accommodation, entry permit.

Scheduled transfers
Lahad Datu-Tabin: 0800 hrs & 1200hrs       
Tabin-Lahad Datu: 1430hrs (Arrive Lahad Datu town at 1600hrs)

What does it exclude?

Flights, insurance, items not mentioned

Best time to visit

Tabin can be visited all year round.

Getting here

By Air:     
MasWings (www.maswings.com.my) operates daily flights connecting  Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu. Flight duration is about 1 hour. From Lahad Datu, a 1:15 hour drive, part of it on gravel road, will take you to Tabin.

Recommended Flights:
BKI-LDU     MH3010    0620 /0715
BKI-LDU     MH3014    0955/1050         
LDU-BKI     MH3023    1725/1820

By Road:     
Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (7 hours)
Sandakan to Lahad Datu (4 hours).  This is an increasingly more popular way to visit Tabin whereby visitors take a flight to Sandakan where they visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, and perhaps the Selingan Turtle Island, then onward to Sukau in Kinabatangan for at least one night’s stay and then by road from Sukau to Tabin Widlife Resort.  This journey enables one to see some of the top eco-nature destinations in Borneo.
Tawau to Lahad Datu (4 hours).  Divers find Tabin  a  good destination to visit after their diving trip to Sipadan and Mabul islands,  allowing them to break the non-flying-after diving rule and visiting Tabin for one or two nights’ stay.  Journey from Semporna from Tabin is 3:15 hours.